Miami Beach Police Reach Deal with Repeat Offender to Leave City

Authorities pay for one-way bus ticket to Georgia for career criminal after years of problems

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:39pm

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After years of creating problems for the city and its residents, Miami Beach police reached an unusual agreement with a career criminal, Perry Smith, to buy him a one-way ticket out of town to live with his mother in Georgia. Authorities say Smith is a repeat violent offender with a long rap sheet, but instead of waiting for another crime, they offered him resources and the opportunity to relocate.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces with repeat offenders, especially those who have become a persistent problem for the community. The agreement to relocate Smith out of Miami Beach raises questions about alternative approaches to dealing with chronic criminal behavior beyond the typical cycle of arrest and release.

The details

Police say they located Smith, who had just been released from jail, about two blocks from the police department and decided to try a different strategy. They offered him resources and connected him with a homeless relocation program that allows individuals to be sent to live with a family member. Smith accepted the offer of a one-way bus ticket to Georgia to live with his mother, who police say welcomed him with open arms.

  • In the summer of 2025, Smith was arrested for a random assault on a German journalist covering the FIFA Club World Cup.
  • After his most recent release from Miami-Dade County Jail, Miami Beach Police approached Smith about the relocation deal in early 2026.

The players

Perry Smith

A career criminal with a long rap sheet who has been a persistent problem for the Miami Beach community, known for his violent behavior towards victims, officers, and even a judge.

Miami Beach Police

The law enforcement agency that reached an unusual agreement with Smith to buy him a one-way ticket out of town to live with his mother in Georgia, rather than wait for another crime to occur that would lead to his arrest.

Pit Gottschalk

A German journalist who was randomly assaulted by Smith during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, telling police that Smith beat him twice.

Jo Manning

A victim of Smith's violent behavior, who said he yelled profanities at her before throwing her to the floor and demanding her money.

Miami Beach City Commissioner

A local official who described Smith as "one of the most violent individuals in our community" and a "repeat offender with a rap sheet as long as my arm."

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Police say that if Smith returns to Miami Beach to resume committing crimes, he will be arrested.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces with repeat offenders and the need for innovative approaches beyond the typical cycle of arrest and release. The agreement to relocate Smith out of Miami Beach raises questions about alternative strategies for dealing with chronic criminal behavior and the role of community resources in supporting such efforts.